Cross- Curricular Project: CSI


Ms. Henry's Original CSI Lesson Plans


Introduction
The Mystery of the Hidden Mine
The Backpack Mystery
It Takes a Lickin Mystery
How We Investigate
CSI:Squeak Sneak
Forensics: The Investigative Science
Forensic Science

Webquests to Check Out
FORENSICS: Murder at the Toy Store
Who Dunnit?
Mystery Net's Kids' Mysteries

Reading Materials
Scan reading material into Google Docs for students to read
Glossary
Forensics in the Classroom
Study Guide
Fingerprinting Packet

Crime Scenes

Finger Printing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingerprint_authentication
Create a DNA Fingerprint
At Your Fingertips
Digital Finger Print
Use Doc Cam to show fingerprints - use SmartBoard to capture and store fingerprints (or put into Picasa)

Handwriting Analysis
How Handwriting Analysis Works

DNA
The Hunt for mtDNA

Gathering Evidence
Use Video Cameras to record evidence
Use Electronic Portfolio to store evidence (Google Docs)

Verdict
Writing a Persuasive Essay expaining why a person is guilty

Presentation
Present your findings to your peers in a presentation. The presentation can be whatever you choose, as long as it is approved by your teacher. Some ideas include making a poster or a PowerPoint presentation, producing a newspaper with articles from each group member, or making a newscast video reporting the events of the crime and the arrest of the suspect. Remember, be creative and make your presentation interesting! Some things you should include in your presentation are as follows:
    • overview of crime
    • list of suspects
    • explanation of each piece of evidence
    • conclusion outlining which suspect committed the crime and why you think so
    • pictures to illustrate

Objectives
Broad Goals in Science:
    • Students will use problem-solving strategies to investigate and understand the natural world.
    • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the impact of science and technology on society.
    • Students will be able to apply rational, creative-thinking, and investigative skills and use scientific knowledge in their roles as citizens, workers, family members, and consumers in an increasingly technological society.
    • Students will use oral and written communication, mathematical representation, and physical and conceptual models to describe and explain scientific concepts and ideas, and will be able to apply scientific knowledge.
Specific Goals in Science, Technology, and Society:
Students will be able to
    • plan and conduct a scientific research project using technology
    • identify and gather information needed to make a decision on a science- and/or technology-related issue
    • determine how technology affects their lives and predict how it might affect their future
    • demonstrate that knowledge makes it possible to make informed decisions and
    • demonstrate, by giving examples, the relationships between the maintenance and progress of society and scientific and technological advancement.